Supporting a double LVL/flitch with wood or steel?
I just got done installing a 16′ Double LVL w/ 1/2″ steel flitch plate. Man it was heavy!!!! I dont want to see the support posts so I have to hide them in the existing 2×4 walls. Right now for support posts I have 2 ripped down 2×6’s (to 4″- the width of the double LVL with flitch) with 1/2″ plywood sandwiched between them all glued and nailed together. It seems incredibly solid, can I leave it like this or should I have some steel lolly columns custom made? Thanks!
Craig
Replies
There's no doubt that what you built will hold up the beam.
The question is, what's the beam holding up?
I would add two 2x4's glued and screwed on each side of the post you created. That gives you strength in the other direction even though the beam won't bear on the 2x4's. You could if you wanted run the 2x4's up each side of the beam and also attach them to the LVL's such that you have now created a single unit out of the beam and post (your 2x6 post under the beam with two 2x4's running from the top of the beam to the bottom of your post on either side.) The beauty of this is you could add another 2x4 outboard of the first two if you really want a belt and suspenders (plus a huge cold spot on the wall).
The other thing, as I'm sure you know, is to insure that you continue this support down to the foundation.
Surely someone is going to ask you what your engineer said so don't forget was first.
Yes I already have run 2x4's up along the sides of the LVL to the top plate. Both ends of the LVL are sitting over the foundation so no problems there. The double LVL is supporting the 2x8 ceiling joists above. The area above is used as a living room, there are no walls or roof to support, its just a floor load. The beam I installed cuts the span of the floor in half. The total span is 24 ft. so its in the middle with 12 ft on each side. I am wondering if i even needed the steel in there but its done now....thanks!!
Craig